Mary Jane Pewitt, 81, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley.

She was born on January 22, 1929 in Lake Preston, South Dakota, the daughter of Joseph & Esther (Troelson) Karpinske.

She was raised and attended school in Watertown, South Dakota.

Mary made her home in Watertown until moving to Marblemount, WA in 1955, where she raised her family and worked as a waitress and bartender at Green’s restaurant & lounge until moving to Sedro-Woolley in the late 1950’s.

She worked as a bartender at several tavern’s in Sedro-Woolley over the years and in the early 1970’s became a co-owner of the Red Dog Saloon.

Mary was an avid pool player and was involved with the Skagit Women’s Pool League for over 50 years. She was instrumental in getting tournament play organized for bar pool leagues.  She also made and sold Southwest style jewelry from her store, Maradon’s Jewelry in Sedro-Woolley; enjoyed making ceramics and watching the Seattle Mariners (win or lose).

She was united in marriage to Donald Pewitt in Caldwell, Idaho and together they have made their home in Sedro-Woolley.

Mary is survived by her husband, Donald, at the family home in Sedro-Woolley.  Her children, Cheryl Bice of Ferndale, WA Wayne Kremer, Sandra Kremer, Michele Keenan, Dianne Kremer and Joel Kremer all of Sedro-Woolley. Two step-children, Sandra Little of Sequim, WA and Darryl Pewitt of Bellingham, WA. A sister, Luella Walton of Ferndale.  9 grandchildren, Glenn Bice, Darren Brown, Tara Lowery, Michael & Joel Harris, Leslie Stafford, Cleveland Anderson, Amanda Linde and Donny Adkerson and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Barbara Holland and 2 brothers, Joseph & Bud Karpinske.

Memorials are suggested to the North Puget Cancer Center, 2000 Hospital Drive, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284.  The family would like to thank the nurses at United General Hospital for such wonderful care given to their mother.

A Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Lemley Chapel in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Jim Cannon officiating.  There will be a reception following the service at the Sedro-Woolley Eagles.

Services and cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.